Drug use prevention for the high sensation seeker: The role of alternativeactivities

Research demonstrating links between sensation-seeking and drug use, and se nsation-seeking and participation in leisure activities suggests designing substance misuse prevention projects that encourage substituting alternativ e activities for drug use. The current study uses factor analysis and discr iminant analysis to provide comprehensive information on the kinds of activ ities high-sensation seekers participate in. Factor analysis of activity pa rticipation indicates an eight factor solution. Discriminant analysis of fa ctor scores indicates that high-sensation seekers can be discriminated from low-sensation seekers on the basis of two factors, active-adventure and co nflict-combat. Implications for prevention program design are discussed.